Imagine a place located on beloved Bardstown Road: the yellowbrick road of the ‘ville, filled with intoxicating aromas, inspired concoctions, and staycation wanderlust beautifully encapsulated. In a quirky city like ours, somewhere over the rainbow leads to the talented footsteps of Chefs Dustin Staggers, Kyle Staggers, Griffin Paulin, and Ethan Ray. With burgeoning fame palpable as crispy beignets, you won’t want to miss out on the exciting realities available at Roux in the Highlands.

Clearly celebratory status is imminent. What better way to ring in a beautiful new season than with one of the hippest locales in town? Yes, I am talking Cajun/Creole-themed sorts of coolness a.k.a. Roux Louisville!

In Louisville’s take on spring, teardrop wisps and sunshine surges are in the air. Let’s all take a moment of respect for Ohio Valley allergies as the breeze beckons in pollen and the promise of no more arctic tundra. Crawfish, po boys, and the voodoo lounge of specialty cocktails sound like just the ticket to drown out spring’s side effects.

Here is what you can expect at Roux this season, where the majestic New Orleans crosses over with the heart of Louisville ingenuity:

Crawfish Étouffée

Gumbo

Oyster 'Po Boy

Shrimp 'Po Boy (blackened or fried- it’s necessary)

Gator 'Po Boy (alligator is delicious beyond words- be adventurous!)

Roast Beef and Gravy

She Crab Soup, Turtle Soup, and Mixed Greens Salad galore

Weekday lunch specials are $10 (if you select one of the above delectable options) between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Craving a soda, domestic cold glass of beer, or even some NOLA house wine? Try that perhaps, sipping drinks priced between $2 and $4 with some $10 red beans and rice to make a Monday special sparkle with attitude. Wednesdays are half off for all po' boys, which normally range between $12 and $14. And like I said, you’re missing out if you haven’t devoured a Gator Po' Boy with some Zapp’s voodoo kettle chips. If you’re feeling less audacious but still seeking sumptuous flavor, there’s always the Roast Beef and Gravy Po' Boy on a Wednesday. A combination of sauciness meets tradition!

For the lush-induced moods during a hectic work week, you’re definitely going to want the intel on the daily happy hour specials at Roux. Will Shakespeare himself would be left speechless with these specialty cocktails (except for the words left to order another round!).

Happy Hour at Roux:

Sunday - Thursday, two bouts of delight: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., followed by 9 p.m. to close.

Friday through Saturday: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., followed by 10 p.m. to close.

Service Industry, you all are in luck! As part of Roux’s generous Hospitality Special, you get all day every day happy hour specials.

One thing to love about Roux: Not only tasty options, but prices for those of us who still get to travel over that rainbow; even while grounded in reality. I like that we live in a foodie town where we can get a six inch Po Boy with Zapp’s chips (these chips are the bombdotcom- you have been forewarned) and a 16 ounce PBR for just $8.

Those with quite the few mouths to feed can opt for the Family Meal and delve into some crawfish etoufee or gumbo.

Opt for a bread/basket with $10 per Po Boy and $8 per basket from shrimp to gator to oyster to creole hot fried chicken.

Pickled Peach Pain Perdue, with Leidenheimer French toast, pickled peach preserves, whipped mascarpone, local sorghum, and pecan praline. Sorghum is all the rage these days, and with good reason. It’s glorious.

The grand finale…Beignets! With lots of powdered sugar on top of a hot doughnut-like creation from the foodie heavens. Don’t go to Roux without ordering this menu must!

Happy Spring, happy eating, and happy New Orleans in Louisville exploits to all!